To convert to an ecological garden through SELVA's EcoGardens services, read on!

• Conserve water
• Save money
• Grow native plants and flowers to attract birds and butterflies
• Reduce polluted runoff to our beaches
• Collect and use rainwater
• Support our local community - We work with Surfrider volunteers and offer training to university students and at-risk youth, which allows us to lower your cost.

Many of the existing lawn removal companies and landscapers use plastic weed barriers, toxic weedkillers, invasive non-native species, and other methods that are not beneficial. We work to rebuild soil ecosystems, so as to better store carbon and support California native garden habitats.

Traditional lawns have compacted soil and grading that direct rainwater off the landscape, into storm drains, and out to the ocean. This outdated design wastes water - our most precious resource. Water flows down streets, picking up pollutants (e.g., bacteria, toxins, trash) that end up at our local beaches and oceans.

The ecological garden uses native plants to bring biodiversity back into the city. Rain gardens and swales capture rainwater, which infiltrates the soil (a natural filter) to recharge aquifers. Cisterns and rain barrels capture rainwater for use in the garden. Capturing rainwater onsite conserves water and protects our oceans from pollution.

Why California natives?

They work best to conserve water and nutrients since they are adapted to this region's climate.

They provide habitat for birds, butterflies and pollinators.

They prevent erosion and stabilize slopes.

They support local biodiversity whereas non-native drought tolerant plants don't.

They are some of the most beautiful flowering plants.

This ecological approach is not only important to your home, but it builds a cleaner, more natural environment for our community. Garden water use drops, saving water and money, and local beaches become safe for our children. Native birds and butterflies return to the city. Rain gardens absorb inches of rain and store it deep in the garden's soil, to be taken up by deep-rooted natives throughout the year.

Turf removal to get rid of your lawn.

Allow time for your plants to grow.

For more information on our approach, please view these videos:

Lawn Be Gone

Rain Garden "How To"

The Cycle of Insanity: The Real Story of Water

Converting your lawn to a beautiful native garden requires thought and planning. We'll take care of all the details for your landscape needs!